When it comes to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) there may not be any symptoms to speak of, at least at first. It is only once the disease begins to worsen that the evidence of the condition will become apparent. You may suddenly start to struggle with your breathing, or your breathing may be noisy; wheezing, gurgling, or rattling. When this begins to happen, you may be experiencing what is called an exacerbation, a condition that is often linked to lung infections resulting from a virus or bacteria. It can also be directly connected to an extended period of time in environments with poor air quality.

These are just the first warning signs that tell you that you may have COPD. When they occur you should contact your doctor immediately to be sure. While these symptoms may be an indication of other problems as well, it is important for you to know what are the signs of COPD exacerbation. Here are a few things to watch for.

1.) You have the inability to get enough air in your lungs even when you're resting or involved in minimal physical exertion.

2.) You make odd noises when you breath. Wheezing is often an indication that there is a build up of mucous or pus blocking your airways. Gurgling and rattling sounds can mean there is a build up of fluid.

3.) Your muscles are tensing up whenever you start to have trouble breathing; this makes it even more difficult for you to get enough oxygen.

4.) When your breathing becomes irregular, you feel as if you need to use your chest muscles to get enough oxygen, or your breathing is ragged or uneven.

5.) You've developed a frequent cough. It could bring up colored or bloody phlegm, The intensity of the cough worsens when you're lying down and you may feel that you have to sit up in order to get uninterrupted breathing so that you can get enough sleep.

6.) Your skin and fingernails change color. There will be a bluish tint surrounding your lips and nails and your skin takes on a gray or yellowish color.

7.) You have trouble sleeping and you've lost any desire to eat.

8.) Your breathing has become so labored that you can't speak and are forced to use hand gestures in order to communicate.

9.) You have headaches as soon as you awaken in the morning. This is due to the lack of oxygen and excess carbon dioxide that has built up in your blood.

10.) You may find that your ankles and legs are swollen or you're experiencing pains in your belly.

Every year more than 24 million Americans discover that they have COPD, but estimates say that there are probably an additional 12 million who are completely unaware that they have it. If you're not sure what are the signs of COPD exacerbation, and you suspect that you may have it then you need to see your primary care physician for a proper diagnosis. That way you can begin the proper treatment of the infection well before it grows into something more serious or life threatening.